La Colonia is Nicaragua's main domestic supermarket chain and a practical stop for travellers stocking up on supplies. The Carretera Masaya branches are well stocked with local food products that make good purchases to take home: Nicaraguan coffee (look for Selecto or Presto labels, or ask for coffee from Matagalpa), run añejo (aged rum from Compañía Licorera), local chocolate, and packets of pinolillo (a toasted corn and cacao drink mix).
The supermarkets also carry a good range of fresh produce and Nicaraguan prepared foods, and are useful for assembling picnic supplies before a day trip to Masaya or Granada. Prices are considerably lower than the tourist-oriented shops. The staff are used to foreign customers on the Carretera Masaya branch. The air conditioning is aggressive.